Sunday, 24 January 2016

In the last two or three years, European-branded skincare, French brands especially, have been becoming more and more popular. Brands like La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Uriage, Avene and Nuxe have been seeing more coverage and with good reason too! These brands are the perfect mix of science and nature and most are also based on thermal water. I find that this combination usually results in fresh, clean skincare that actually works. I thought I would share three of my favourite French skincare goodies of the moment.

Everyone and their mum knows about the Bioderma micellar water range, and with good reason too, because it's amazing! The Sebium range is not quite as well known yet but is designed for oily skin. The AKN fluid is a moisturiser designed to combat mild to moderate blemish and help smooth the skin and control sebium production. This has been an absolute wonder product for me. I do suffer from occasional breakouts, like everyone, but using this at night has really helped keep my breakouts (mostly) under control. I also love the smell, it's clean, fresh and almost clinical. It smells like something you would find at a spa or skin clinic which is always a selling point for me.

What I love most about this is that you can use it in tandem with your regular skincare as a booster. It contains hyaluronic acid and passion flower to help plump out the skin and promote cell turnover. Not only does it help skin look fresh and glowy, but it also boosts the power of other anti-ageing and hydrating products. I use this as a morning serum in tandem with my Neutrogena Hydro Boost and my skin has never looked better.

It seems like every brand has a micellar water on the market these days but they aren't all the same. Certain cheaper brands use foaming ingredients that do help remove makeup, but can leave a greasy residue on the face. The Uriage version has a thermal water base and effectively removes even the toughest waterproof makeup but leaves your skin feeling hydrated and cleansed. This micellar water also contains cranberry extract for a little bit of a moisturising boost. You can also buy the very convenient Uriage Thermal Water Wipes which are perfect for even the laziest among us. One quick wipe over is all you need to cleanse and moisturise.

What are your French skincare favourites?

Dani XO

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.